Finance Business Partner

About Daniel's Donuts

Daniel's Donuts is renowned for its distinctive Nutella, Fresh Jam & Cream donuts among other delicious varieties. As one of Australia's rapidly expanding bakery manufacturers, the company supplies not only its own outlets but also supermarkets, convenience stores, airlines, and wholesale customers nationwide. Supported by Private Equity and driven by passionate founders, Daniel's Donuts is heavily investing in cutting-edge technology, smarter systems like Odoo ERP, national growth, and strengthening its operations.

Role Overview

This Finance Business Partner position is unique in its focus on partnering closely with manufacturing and supply chain operations. You will be the commercial pulse within our manufacturing sites, working alongside site leaders to track financial metrics—from cost per donut to capital investments—and improve operational efficiency. You will report directly to the Senior Finance Business Partner while collaborating with teams in Operations, Procurement, Planning, and Supply Chain to facilitate smarter commercial choices. The role is primarily stationed at the Truganina manufacturing plant with one day per week at our Cremorne office.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the essential finance partner for the Operations team, offering commercial insights and constructive challenge.
• Convert complex financial data into actionable operational decisions.
• Manage manufacturing finance processes across multiple sites, coordinating with the GD Pies finance group.
• Take ownership of Cost Per Donut (CPD) KPIs and reporting for all production locations.
• Produce engaging daily and weekly manufacturing performance reports.
• Spot cost trends, risks, and opportunities early to prevent issues.
• Manage standard costing, Bill of Materials (BOM) costing, and comprehensive cost roll-ups.
• Ensure inventory accuracy across raw materials, work in progress, and finished goods.
• Investigate stock discrepancies, waste, and giveaway costs to drive reductions.
• Construct business cases for new manufacturing equipment, automation, and improvements, assessing payback, Net Present Value (NPV), and investment returns.
• Monitor approved projects to ensure promised outcomes are delivered.
• Lead budgeting and forecasting activities within operations.
• Collaborate with Planning and Supply Chain teams to ensure forecasts reflect actual factory floor conditions.
• Support Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) by providing commercial insights.
• Act as Finance's expert user for the new Odoo ERP system, ensuring accuracy in BOMs, standard costs, and cost centers.
• Automate reporting processes and enhance data quality across the organization.
• Support operational decisions related to capacity, line efficiency, make-vs-buy analysis, and overall performance.
• Create meaningful dashboards and reports that facilitate rapid decision-making by leadership.
• Help deliver an operational cost improvement initiative targeting over $1 million in savings.
• Identify and build business cases for cost-saving opportunities, tracking progress and celebrating successes.

Candidate Profile

• Enjoys collaborating with colleagues as much as working with numbers.
• Has a passion for manufacturing, operations, or FMCG sectors.
• Is inquisitive and questions irregular financials or operations.
• Communicates financial concepts clearly and non-technically.
• Is motivated to improve systems and simplify reporting.
• Seeks efficiencies and commercial advantages actively.
• Willing to engage hands-on within the factory environment.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Qualified CPA or CA, or currently working towards the qualification.
• Background in Finance Business Partnering or Management Accounting.
• Experience within manufacturing, FMCG, retail, or supply chain domains.
• Advanced skills in Excel and financial modelling; familiarity with ERP systems like Odoo is a plus.
• Proficient in budgeting, forecasting, inventory management, and standard costing practices.
• A mindset focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Why Join Daniel's Donuts?

This position offers diverse challenges including analyzing manufacturing results, supporting new equipment justification, enhancing inventory accuracy, and optimizing cost per donut metrics. You'll collaborate with a dynamic team, solve tangible business challenges, and contribute to shaping the future of Australia’s fast-growing food brand. Plus, you get to be part of the donut magic every day!